Bail secures a defendant’s release from jail and serves as a promise to comply with the court’s orders, including movement restrictions and future court appearances. If the bail amount is high, you can get a bail bond; Woodard Bonding Company pays bail on your behalf for a smaller upfront fee. Securing bail quickly minimizes the time spent in jail, enabling you to prepare your case at home. Here are some tips for getting bail bonds in an emergency:

Act Quickly

After an arrest, a defendant appears in court for a bail hearing. The judge is able to decide if they should be released from jail before trial. Bail eligibility can vary from state to state, and is determined by factors such as the:

• Crime’s severity
• Defendant’s flight risk
• The risk the defendant poses to the public
• Defendant’s criminal history
• Defendant’s current probation or parole status

If you are eligible for bail, the amount is often determined by these same factors. Courts typically make a decision within two days of your arrest, and bonds can be posted on the same day bail is set. Woodard Bonding Company is a 24/7 bond agency, and we are prepared to begin the bond process as soon as an arrest occurs. Scheduling a consultation promptly enables you to prepare the necessary paperwork and funds before the bail hearing. This streamlines the bond process after bail is decided. The sooner a bond is posted, the sooner a defendant is released from jail.

Know Key Information

The bail bonds process requires the defendant, or someone posting bail on their behalf, to provide personal and arrest information. A bondsman needs to know the defendant’s full legal name and date of birth. They also verify the jail where you are being held and the criminal charge. This information verifies that the release paperwork is sent to the correct location and aligns with the court’s records and requirements.

Some bond agreements include a cosigner; this individual assumes responsibility for the bond’s premium or forfeiture on the defendant’s behalf. A bond agency may request a cosigner if the defendant does not have sufficient collateral to secure the financial agreement. If there is a cosigner, the bond agency will need a copy of the individual’s ID, proof of income, and potentially collateral, such as a vehicle. Gathering information about the defendant and cosigner before a meeting with a bondsman can help speed the process.

Reduce Delays

Though bail is able to be posted quickly, release times vary depending on the jail’s internal release process. The complexity of a defendant’s case and the type of bond used for release may require additional processing before release is approved. Busy jails or understaffed shifts, such as nights and holidays, is able to also slow the process. Professional bondsmen understand where delays may arise; this enables them to adjust their submission process or follow up with the jail as needed to verify timely release. Making sure you provide accurate information also reduces the likelihood of rejected applications and the need to restart the process.

Get Bail Bonds Today

A bail bond agency helps secure a defendant’s release from jail quickly. Our team at Woodard Bonding Company is experienced in navigating the legal system; this includes managing paperwork and explaining release conditions. Because a bond minimizes upfront bail fees, you can focus on preparing your legal case. Contact us today to learn more about emergency bail bonds.